Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.

  • Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.
  • Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.
  • Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.
  • Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.
  • Compute horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks, using direct leveling or other geodetic survey techniques, such as triangulation, trilateration, and traversing, to establish features of the Earth's surface.
  • Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.
  • Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.
  • Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.
  • Request additional survey data when field collection errors occur or engineering surveying specifications are not maintained.
  • Distribute compiled geodetic data to government agencies or the general public.
  • Review existing standards, controls, or equipment used, recommending changes or upgrades as needed.
  • Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in technology, equipment, or systems.
  • Compute, retrace, or adjust existing surveys of features such as highway alignments, property boundaries, utilities, control and other surveys to match the ground elevation-dependent grids, geodetic grids, or property boundaries and to ensure accuracy and continuity of data used in engineering, surveying, or construction projects.
  • Prepare progress or technical reports.
  • Provide training and interpretation in the use of methods or procedures for observing and checking controls for geodetic and plane coordinates.
  • Determine orientation of tracts of land, including position, boundaries, size, and shape, using theodolites, electronic distance-measuring equipment, satellite-based positioning equipment, land information systems, or other geodetic survey equipment.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 80% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 80% responded "Extremely important".
  • Telephone — 50% responded "Once a week or more but not every day".
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 65% responded "Extremely important".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 45% responded "Once a week or more but not every day".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 40% responded "Extremely important".
  • Contact With Others — 45% responded "Contact with others most of the time".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
  • Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
  • Direct surveying activities.
  • Explain project details to the general public.
  • Update technical knowledge.
  • Verify mathematical calculations.
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Knowledge

Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Geography
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
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Skills

Mathematics
  • Using mathematics to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Abilities

Mathematical Reasoning
  • The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility
  • The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Information Ordering
  • The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Web platform development software
  • Hypertext markup language HTML Hot Technology
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
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